Doing away with the office as been a topic for some time. Once again, the majority of City Council members have voted to keep the office open.
Created more than 30 years ago and considered a watchdog for the community, the ombudsman's office was opened to investigate complaints within City Hall.
But in tight budget times, it's has been regarded as an area that could be cut.
At Wednesday night's committee meeting, council members voted 7-2 dropped the idea of putting a ballot proposal to cut or maintain the office before city residents in August.
"Before we put it on the ballot, I believe there should be more of a conversation with the public," said Council President Delrico Loyd.
Council members Josh Freeman and Scott Kincaid want to put the question before voters. With the facing a multimillion dollar deficit and cuts to public safety, Freeman said the position is not vital and the city could save around $260,000 if it's cut.
"In 1974, we had enough money to fund that office. In 2010, we don't have the extra money to do it," Freeman argued. "Our priorities in the city need to be public safety, and I think that's where the majority of dollars should go."
As city services are reduced, council members like Sheldon Neeley believe the office becomes even more crucial. "Anytime you have reduced services in the community such as Flint through economic hardship, it's going to be more complaints. And we have to have a place to take in those complaints."
Freeman says he could bring the issue up once again in about 30 days.
Also Wednesday, council dropped the idea of also adding a ballot proposal to reduce the city's nine wards down to seven.
